👋 The charts are basically one big audition tape — and we're all just watching aspiring Voice contestants who figured out they could skip the show entirely. Alex Warren's "Ordinary" sits at Number Two with that perfect 50-second octave jump, while Benson Boone's "Beautiful Things" holds steady at Number Nine after he literally walked away from American Idol to conquer TikTok instead.

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FEATURE

🎤 Why Every Song Sounds Like It Was Written for 'The Voice'

Read this full piece over on Rolling Stone.

The charts are absolutely flooded with what we're calling "Voice Audition Core" and honestly? It's getting wild out here…

Here's the tea: Alex Warren's "Ordinary" is sitting pretty at Number Two on the Hot 100, and if you close your eyes while listening, you can literally picture someone in front of Blake Shelton hitting that dramatic octave jump at the 50-second mark. Same energy with Benson Boone's "Beautiful Things" at Number Nine - dude literally auditioned for American Idol in 2020, then said "nah I'm good" and left to conquer TikTok instead.

The formula is chef's kiss predictable:

• Sparse production so vocals can absolutely soar

• Distinctive tone that makes coaches go "wait, what was that?"

• Octave jump around the minute mark because drama sells, baby

• Emotional backstory potential (Warren literally lived in his car with his now-wife)

Plot twist: These artists never needed the shows. Warren's story has every single trauma box checked that producers dream of, but TikTok said "we got you" instead. Boone walked away from Idol after Katy Perry told him he could win the whole thing because he already had the followers and no guaranteed record deal anyway.

The domino effect is unhinged:

• Voice contestants are now covering "Beautiful Things" for their auditions

• Teddy Swims' "Lose Control" has been on the charts for 88 weeks using the exact same playbook

• Even Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars said "bet" and deployed this formula on "Die With a Smile"

Why this matters: The line between competition show content and actual pop music has completely disappeared. These songs are designed to make you feel like you're discovering the next big thing, whether that's on TV or your FYP. The problem? Once these artists blow up, they're stuck performing their audition songs forever while trying to prove they're more than that one viral moment.

Chappell Roan tried this over a decade ago with Rihanna's "Stay" and the producer literally didn't look up from his phone. Now contestants are covering her songs hoping for that four-chair turn. The circle of life is absolutely chaotic and we're living for every messy second of it 🎤

SONG OF THE WEEK

📀 “Eternity” by Alex Warren | ⭐ 3.7/5

"Eternity" is a deeply personal ballad from Alex Warren that explores themes of grief and loss through his signature vulnerable songwriting style.

• Written in response to personal grief, reflecting on the deaths of both his parents - his father from cancer when Warren was nine, and his mother due to alcohol-related issues

• Features Warren's "deep, chesty baritone" transitioning into a more conventional pop pitch over minimalist production

• Built around acoustic plucks, vocal harmonies and a subdued backing choir creating an intimate sonic landscape

• Despite its tragic inspiration, Warren noted that some listeners envisioned the track being played at weddings, comparing this reaction to Lewis Capaldi's "Someone You Loved"

The song represents Warren's artistic evolution from viral TikTok creator to established recording artist, showcasing his ability to transform profound personal trauma into universally relatable music that resonates across different emotional contexts.

What do you think? Leave your review right here.

MEME